Ride Along Program

Guidelines for Participants

  1. You must be 18 years of age or older to participate in the program with the exception of Explorers and Interns.
  2. You must provide your own transportation to and from Police Headquarters or where you are scheduled to leave from.
  3. You must have valid photo identification with you when you arrive for your ride-a-long.
  4. Tape recorders are not permitted. Photographs are only permitted with the prior approval of the Deputy Chief of Police.
  5. You are to promptly obey any requests made to you by your host officer.
  6. Certain calls are considered too dangerous for ride-a-long participants. If your host officer is required to respond to a call of this type, you will be dropped off at a safe, public location. If this occurs, you are to immediately call the dispatcher phone 301-600-2071 and follow his / her instructions. You will be picked up as soon as possible.
  7. Do not interfere in any way with the officer’s handling of a situation. If the officer needs your assistance, you will be asked for it. You may ask any questions concerning a call or incident after it has been completed and you and your host officer have left.
  8. It is possible that you may observe an event that may require your presence in court as a witness.
  9. You are encouraged to ask questions, but remember that your host officer cannot possibly know everything that may occur within the Town.
  10. The waiver of liability on the application must be executed prior to a participation in the program. Your signature also acknowledges that a criminal background check will be done for participation in the program.
  11. Completed applications are to be turned in or mailed to the Thurmont Police Department.
  12. Due to high volume of requests, participation is limited to two ride-a-longs per person within a calendar year.
  13. Participation in a ride-a-long is for a maximum of (5) five hours.

Get Signed Up

Please download, print and fill out the provided link to get signed up: